In sports wheelchairs, how may the seat and backrest be designed?

• A. The seat is fixed and backrest always adjustable
• B. The seat and backrest may be fixed or adjustable
• C. The chair has no backrest
• D. The seat is flexible and folds

Answer: (B)

The seating setup in sports wheelchairs is designed to be adaptable to the athlete and the sport. The seat and the backrest can be fixed or adjustable, depending on what best supports trunk control, balance, propulsion efficiency, and the specific demands of the activity. Some configurations use a fixed seat with an adjustable backrest to fine-tune posture without changing the seating position; others have both elements adjustable or both fixed to a chosen setup, allowing optimization for different events or athletes. A backless design is uncommon in competitive wheelchairs because trunk support aids control and stability. A seat that is flexible or folds is not typical for performance-focused chairs, where a rigid, stable surface ensures consistent power transfer.